Exercise Arrangement

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses an exercise arrangement having a stationary frame with a seat and handle for a user attached to the frame. At least one flywheel is rotatably mounted on the frame and is operatively joined to a crankshaft, with at least one pedal, by a flexible drive element. Vibration means are associated with the flywheel and/or crankshaft being adapted to apply vibration to the user.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise arrangement.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise arrangement for exercising and stimulating muscles.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

There are various exercise devices that provide means for offering resistance to voluntary movement of various limbs of the body, or in some cases, provide a means for imparting motion to various parts of the human body when the body is in a relaxed, passive state. Some devices stimulate muscles by using a combination of electrical and vibration stimulation.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,540,436 Hueftle discloses a machine for exercising legs by stimulating a walking motion which includes a base carrying a rearwardly-positioned rotatable shaft riding in bearings, and a forwardly-positioned shaft and bearings. The rearward shaft carries a pair of cams having edge surfaces. A pair of flat foot boards have their forward ends attached to the forwardly positioned bearings. Under the rear portions of each of the footboards is attached a rotatable cam follower designed to ride to on the cam surface. The cams are positioned so that one footboard is raised thereby while the other is lowered, thus simulating walking. The forward ends of the footboards are attached to bearing sleeves riding on the forward shaft and in line with the cams. A spring is attached to the back of each footboard and the base to ensure contact of the cam follower with the cam surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,002 Riddle et al discloses a continuous passive motion physical therapy device for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy. An improved pivoting support displacement device, comprised of first and second actuators, for oscillating at least one pivoting support member is provided. The first actuator is associated with the upper torso support member and includes an output cam for imparting substantially linear motion to a connecting rod. The connecting rod is pivotally secured to one end of the output cam and at a selected location to an actuator cam. The actuator cam is secured to the axle to which is releasably secured a displacement cam. A push rod is releasably and pivotally secured the displacement cam and the upper torso support member, The second actuator s associated with the lower body support member and includes an actuator cam and a displacement cam, each being substantially similar to those of the first actuator. Further, the second actuator includes a second connecting rod having opposite ends thereof pivotally connected to the distal ends of the actuator cam of the first and second actuators. Thus, as the actuator cam of the first actuator is oscillated, the actuator cam of the second actuator is simultaneously oscillated.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,651 Homyonfer et al discloses an exercise device for independently exercising both the thigh and calf muscles of at least one leg of a user, including a base provided with a pair of spaced=apart upwardly extending sides, a plate-like member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end and two sides, at least one pivot element pivotally interconnecting the plate-like member and the upwardly-extending sides with a major axis of the plate-like member perpendicular to the axis of the pivot element, the at least one pivot element supporting the plate-like member in proximity to the mid-point of the major axis, and at least two energy absorbing elements respectively attaching the front end and the back end of the plate-like member to adjacent surfaces of the base, the arrangement being such that the plate-like member can be pivotally oscillated relative to the base when a moment is applied thereto against the resistance of at least one of the energy-absorbing elements.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,918 Schiessl discloses a device and method for invoking a muscle's natural involuntary, reflexive response or stretch reflex by imparting a sudden increase in load on the muscle over a defined period of time from a predetermined base load at which the muscle has assumed a baseline tonus, and over a predetermined amplitude of motion. The muscle is stimulated by cycling the load with a frequency between 10 and 30 Hz, or more preferably between 120 and 30 Hz, and an amplitude of displacement of the muscle between 2 and 50 mm, or more preferably 5 and 10 mm. The force input to the muscle can be provided by either the mass of the body to which the muscle is connected or by an external mass or resistance to motion. A seesaw platform can be oscillated in a vertical direction at the correct frequency and amplitude. Alternatively, a surface adapted to be fixed to a portion of the body can be oscillated relative to an external mass or other element that resists motion due to gravitational, frictional or inertial forces.

It is an object of the invention to suggest a novel exercise arrangement.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, an exercise arrangement, which includes

-   -   (a) a stationary frame;     -   (b) a seat for a user attached to the frame;     -   (c) a handle for a user attached to the frame;     -   (d) at least one flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame;     -   (e) a crankshaft with at least one pedal rotatably mounted on         the frame;     -   (f) a flexible drive element operatively joining the crankshaft         to the flywheel(s); and     -   (g) vibration means associated with the flywheel and/or         crankshaft of the frame and being adapted to apply vibration to         the user.

The vibration may have a range of 0 to 60 Hz (preferably 30 to 50 Hz) frequency, a 2 to 6 mm amplitude, generating an acceleration factor of approximately 2 to 6 g.

The vibration means may be adapted to apply vibrations to the user through at least one component selected from the group consisting of the pedal and/or the handlebar.

The seat may be adapted to remain stationary relative to the frame.

The frame may be a cycle, bicycle, training bicycle and/or tandem-cycle.

The vibration may be a mechanical vibration and/or an electro-mechanical vibration.

The mechanical vibration may be adapted to be vertical and/or rotational.

The arrangement may include electromechanical actuation means to provide up and down displacement of the drive-element.

The electromechanical actuation means may be a free wheeling sprocket on a motor driven eccentric, solenoid and/or any other suitable actuator with or without a software generated input signal.

Inertia of the flywheel may be adapted to provide a base/platform from which the flexible drive element can transmit force.

The flexible drive element may be adapted to be tensioned by suitable means.

The drive element may be suitable driving devices, such as a roller chain, bicycle chain and/or toothed belt.

Vertical displacement of the flexible drive element may be adapted to transmit movement to the chain ring and to the pedal.

The pedal may be provided with rotational displacement around the crank centre creating vibrating action on the pedal.

The handle may be fitted with vibration actuation.

The handle may be provided with vertical and/or rotational vibration.

The arrangement may include electromechanical actuation means to provide up and down displacement of the handlebar.

The electromechanical actuation means may be provided to the crankshaft.

The crankshaft may be adapted to cause vertical displacement of the chain-ring or on a vibrating path centring around the flywheel axis or any other virtual axis.

A rotational vibration may be adapted to be applied to the crank-set mechanism of the bicycle with, when in use, a rotational axis horizontally along the centre of the crankshaft.

Vibration may be adapted to be induced by applying a vertical vibration to the tension side of the flexible drive element with the inertia of the flywheel providing base/platform from which the force can be applied along the drive element to the chain ring of the bicycle.

The pedals of the bicycle may be adapted to vibrate on a circular path described by the axis of the pedal as it travels around the crankshaft axis.

A vertical vibration displacement may be adapted to be applied to the crankshaft of the stationary bicycle with the effect of the pedals following a similar path irrespective of the pedal position along its path around the crankshaft centre.

The vibration may be adapted to be vertical and/or centred around the rotational axis of the flywheel or any other virtual axis.

Vibration may be adapted to be applied to the handlebars of the bicycle.

The vibration may be adapted to be applied to the handlebars may be in a vertical plane and/or rotational around an axis running anterior-posterior on the midline of the bicycle and/or around a transverse axis.

Actuation of the vibration may be adapted to be effected by electrical and/or mechanical and/or electro-mechanical actuators.

The vibration may be adapted to be controlled by the user.

The vibration may be adapted to be controlled by the user during use of the training arrangement.

The vibration may be adapted to be controlled from a keypad mounted on the bicycle.

The arrangement may include computer software adapted to be employed to generate vibrations of different characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

In the drawings there is shown in:

FIG. 1: A side view of an exercise arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2: A side view of the handle of the exercise arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: A side view of the seat of the exercise arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4: A side view of an exercise arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5: A side view of the handle of the exercise arrangement shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6: A side view of the seat of the exercise arrangement shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an exercise arrangement in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown.

The exercise arrangement 10 for applying acceleration training/whole-body vibration technology to a stationary bicycle and thus utilising physiological neuro-muscular reflexes in skeletal muscle to intensify the training effect during a training session on a bicycle, similar to the fatiguing effect of cycling over uneven road surfaces as found in mountain bicycling sport, the arrangement 10 includes

-   (a) a stationary bicycle adapted to be used by a user, the bicycle     being provided a flywheel 12, a chain-ring 14, a pedal 16 having a     crankshaft and a centre, a flexible drive element 18, a handle 20     and a seat 22 for the user to sit on; and -   (b) vibration means adapted to apply mechanical vibration to the     user, the vibration having a range of 0 to 60 Hz (preferably 30 to     50 Hz) frequency, a 2 to 6 mm amplitude, generating an acceleration     factor of approximately 2 to 6 g.

The vibration means can be applied to the user through the pedal and/or the handlebar.

The seat 22 is adapted to remain stationary.

The bicycle is a training bicycle.

The arrangement 10 includes electromechanical actuation means 24 to provide up and down displacement of the drive-element 18.

The electromechanical actuation means may be a free wheeling sprocket on a motor driven eccentric or solenoid or suitable actuator with a software generated input signal.

Inertia of the flywheel 12 provides a base/platform from which the flexible drive element 18 can transmit force.

The flexible drive element 18 is tensioned by suitable devices.

The flexible drive element 18 is a suitable device, such as a roller chain, bicycle chain and/or toothed belt.

Vertical displacement of the flexible drive element 18 transmit movement to the chain ring 14 and to the pedal 16.

The pedal 16 is provided with rotational displacement around the crank centre creating vibrating action on the pedal 16.

The handle 20 is fitted with vibration actuation. The handle 20 is provided with vertical or rotational vibration around the anterior/posterior or transverse axis.

Vibration is thus induced by applying a vertical vibration to the tension side of the flexible drive element 18 with the inertia of the flywheel 12 providing base/platform from which the force can be applied along the drive element 18 to the chain ring 14 of the bicycle.

The pedals 16 of the bicycle vibrate on a circular path described by the axis of the pedal 16 as it travels around the crankshaft axis.

The vibration may be centred around the rotational axis of the crankshaft.

Vibration may be applied to the handlebars of the bicycle.

The vibration can be controlled by the user during use of the training arrangement. The vibration can be controlled from a keypad mounted on the bicycle. Computer software may be employed to generate vibrations of different characteristics.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, an exercise arrangement in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 30, is shown.

The exercise arrangement 30 for applying acceleration training/whole-body vibration technology to a stationary bicycle and thus utilising physiological neuro-muscular reflexes in skeletal muscle to intensify the training effect during a training session on a bicycle, similar to the fatiguing effect of cycling over uneven road surfaces as found in mountain bicycling sport, the arrangement 30 includes

-   (a) a stationary bicycle adapted to be used by a user, the bicycle     being provided with a flywheel 32, a chain-ring 34, a pedal 36     having a crankshaft and a centre, a flexible drive element 38, a     handle 40 and a seat 42 for the user to sit on; and -   (b) vibration means adapted to apply mechanical vibration to the     user, the vibration having a range of 0 to 60 Hz (preferably 30 to     50 Hz) frequency, a 2 to 6 mm amplitude, generating an acceleration     factor of approximately 2 to 6 g.

The vibration means can be applied to the user through the pedal and the handlebar.

The seat 32 is adapted to remain stationary.

The bicycle is a training bicycle.

The arrangement 30 includes electromechanical actuation means 44 to provide up and down displacement of the crankshaft.

The crankshaft causes vertical displacement of the chain-ring 34 on a vibrating path centring around the flywheel axis 32 or any other virtual axis.

A vertical vibration displacement is also applied to the crankshaft of the stationary bicycle with the effect of the pedals 36 following a similar path irrespective of the pedal 36 position along its path around the crankshaft centre.

The flexible drive element 38 is tensioned.

The tension of the flexible drive element 38 is maintained with suitable devices.

The handle 40 is fitted with vibration actuation. The handle 40 is provided with vertical or rotational vibration around the anterior/posterior or transverse axis.

Vibration is thus induced by applying a vibration to the crankshaft which causes vertical displacement of the chain-ring 34.

The pedals 36 of the bicycle vibrate on a circular path described by the axis of the pedal 36 as it travels around the crankshaft axis.

The vibration may be centred around the rotational axis of the flywheel or any other virtual axis.

Vibration may be applied to the handlebars of the bicycle.

The vibration can be controlled by the user during use of the training arrangement. The vibration can be controlled from a keypad mounted on the bicycle. Computer software may be employed to generate vibrations of different characteristics. 

1. An exercise arrangement, which includes (a) a stationary frame; (b) a seat for a user attached to the frame; (c) a handle for a user attached to the frame; (d) at least one flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame; (e) a crankshaft with at least one pedal rotatably mounted on the frame; (f) a flexible drive element operatively joining the crankshaft to the at least one flywheel; and (g) vibration means associated with at least one component selected from the group consisting of the at least one flywheel and the crankshaft, and being adapted to apply vibration to the user.
 2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the vibration has a range of 0 to 60 Hz frequency, a 2 to 6 mm amplitude, generating an acceleration factor of approximately 2 to 6 g.
 3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the vibration means is adapted to apply vibrations to the user through at least one component selected from the group consisting of the pedal and the handle.
 4. (canceled)
 5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the frame is at least one device selected from the group consisting of a cycle, a bicycle, training bicycle and tandem-cycle.
 6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the vibration is a vibration selected from the group consisting of mechanical vibration and electromechanical vibration.
 7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6, in which the mechanical vibration is adapted to act in at least one direction selected from the group consisting of a vertical direction and a rotational direction.
 8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, which includes electromechanical actuation means to provide up and down displacement of the drive-element.
 9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, in which the electromechanical actuation means includes a free wheeling sprocket on at least one component selected from the group consisting of a motor driven eccentric, a solenoid, and any other suitable actuator, with or without a software generated input signal.
 10. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which inertia of the flywheel is adapted to provide a base/platform from which the flexible drive element can transmit force.
 11. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the flexible drive element is adapted to be tensioned by suitable means.
 12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the flexible drive element includes at least one suitable driving device selected from the group consisting of a roller chain, a bicycle chain and a toothed belt.
 13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which vertical displacement of the flexible drive element is adapted to transmit movement to the chain ring and to the pedal.
 14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the pedal is provided with rotational displacement around the crank centre creating vibrating action on the pedal.
 15. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the handle is fitted with vibration actuation.
 16. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the handle is provided with at least one vibration selected from vertical vibration and rotational vibration.
 17. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, which includes electromechanical actuation means to provide up and down displacement of the handle.
 18. An arrangement as claimed in claim 17, in which the electromechanical actuation means is provided to the crankshaft.
 19. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the crankshaft is adapted to cause vertical displacement of the chain-ring or on a vibrating path centring around the flywheel axis or any other virtual axis.
 20. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which rotational vibration is adapted to be applied to a crank-set mechanism, the rotational vibration having a rotational axis horizontally along the centre of the crankshaft.
 21. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which vibration is adapted to be induced by applying a vertical vibration to a tension side of the flexible drive element with the inertia of the flywheel providing a base/platform from which the force can be applied along the drive element to a chain ring of the exercise arrangement.
 22. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the at least one pedal is adapted to vibrate on a circular path described by the axis of the at least one pedal as it travels around a crankshaft axis.
 23. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which vertical vibration displacement is adapted to be applied to the crankshaft with the effect of the at least one pedal following a similar path irrespective of the pedal position along its path around the crankshaft centre.
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. An arrangement as claimed in claim 15, in which the vibration is adapted to be applied to the handlebars is in a vertical plane and/or rotational around an axis running anterior-posterior on the midline of the frame and/or around a transverse axis of the frame.
 27. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the vibration is effected by at least one of an electrical actuator, a mechanical actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator. 28-32. (canceled)
 33. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the vibration is controlled in at least one way selected from the group consisting of: by the user, by the user during the operation of the exercise arrangement, and by the user from a key pad mounted on the frame.
 34. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, which includes computer software adapted to generate vibrations of different characteristics.
 35. An exercise apparatus comprising: a stationary frame; a seat attached to the frame, the handle adapted for engagement with the user; a flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame; a crankshaft rotatably mounted on the frame, the crankshaft having at least one pedal adapted for engagement with the user; a flexible drive element operatively joining the crankshaft to the flywheel; an actuator connected to the frame to apply vibration to the user. 